I always thought SC was a dark story. It's why I never really cared for it as a child. Though, as someone said earlier, "dreary" is probably a better word. Unless you mean the part underground where it is literally dark. I think the children are the most flawed in this story of the series as well. No need to add in character drama in this one.

I'd rather they review and rewrite the scripts than say "Good enough!" and leave it at that.